CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Departmental Strategy

David Lammy: My noble Friend the Secretary of State has made the following written ministerial statement:
	"I am today publishing DCA'S strategy for the next five years. This explains how we intend to reform and modernise the justice system and constitution so that they are transparent, accountable and responsive to the needs of the public. An overview of the strategy and the detailed strategy itself are both available on the DCA website www.dca.gov.uk/, and I shall also be placing copies in the Libraries of both Houses".

DEFENCE

War Pensions Uprating

Ivor Caplin: The new rates of war pensions and allowances proposed from April 2005 are set out in the tables below. The annual uprating of war pensions and allowances for 2005 will take place from the week beginning 11 April.
	
		War Pensions Rates
		
			 Weekly rates unless otherwise shown Rates2004 Rates2005 
		
		
			 WAR PENSIONS   
			 Disablement Pension (100% rates)   
			 officer (£ per annum) 6,648.00 6,851.00 
			 other ranks 127.40 131.30 
			
			 Age allowances   
			 40%-50% 8.55 8.80 
			 over 50% but not over 70% 13.10 13.50 
			 over 70% but not over 90% 18.65 19.25 
			 over 90% 26.20 27.00 
			
			 Disablement gratuity   
			 specified minor injury (min.) 810.00 835.00 
			 specified minor injury (max.) 6,055.00 6,243.00 
			 unspecified minor injury (min.) 335.00 345.00 
			 unspecified minor injury (max.) 7,874.00 8,118.00 
			
			 Unemployability allowance   
			 personal 78.70 81.15 
			 adult dependency increase 44.35 45.70 
			 increase for first child 10.30 10.60 
			 increase for subsequent children 12.10 12.50 
			
			 Invalidity allowance   
			 higher rate 15.55 16.05 
			 middle rate 10.00 10.30 
			 lower rate 5.00 5.15 
			 Constant attendance allowance   
			 exceptional rate 96.20 99.20 
			 intermediate rate 72.15 74.40 
			 full day rate 48.10 49.60 
			 part-day rate 24.05 24.80 
			
			 Comforts allowance   
			 higher rate 20.60 21.20 
			 lower rate 10.30 10.60 
			
			 Mobility supplement 45.85 47.25 
			 Allowance for lowered standard of occupation (maximum) 48.04 49.52 
			 Therapeutic earnings limit 3,744.00 4,056.00 
			 Exceptionally severe disablement allowance 48.10 49.60 
			 Severe disablement occupational allowance 24.05 24.80 
			 Clothing allowance (£ per annum) 164.00 169.00 
			 Education allowance (£ per annum) (max) 120.00 120.00 
			
			 War widow(er)s' pension (further details in schedule WWP)   
			 widow(er)s—private 96.50 99.50 
			 widow(er)s—(other ranks) 96.50 99.50 
			 widow(er)s—Officer (£ pa max) 5,948.00 6,132.00 
			 Childless widow(er)s'u-40 (other ranks) 23.13 23.85 
			 Childless widow(er)s'u-40 (Officer max. £s pa) 5,948.00 6,132.00 
			 Supplementary pension 62.68 64.62 
			
			 Age allowance   
			 (a) age 65–69 11.05 11.40 
			 (b) age 70 to 79 21.15 21.80 
			 (c) age 80 and over 31.40 32.35 
			
			 Children's allowance   
			 Increase for first child 15.20 15.65 
			 Increase for subsequent children 16.95 17.50 
			 Orphan's pension   
			 Increase for first child 17.25 17.80 
			 Increase for subsequent children 18.95 19.55 
			 Unmarried dependant living as spouse (max.) 94.15 97.15 
			 Rent allowance (max.) 36.40 37.55 
			 Adult orphan's pension (max.) 74.15 76.45

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Fire and Rescue National Framework

Nick Raynsford: Today the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is publishing the 2005–06 fire and rescue national framework.
	The Government remain committed to reduce the number of fire deaths and deliberate fires. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's fire public service agreement target commits us to achieving long-term reductions in fire deaths and arson, including in the worst off areas. The Government also recognise the fire and rescue national framework sets out the strategy for meeting the Government's objectives and delivering an improved service that achieves better value for money for the communities it serves.
	At the request of fire and rescue authorities we agreed to publish the 2005–06 national framework in time to inform authorities' budget setting processes. The 2005–06 national framework reflects progress that has been made since the publication of the 2004–05 national framework in July 2004 and reflects comments we have received in response to our consultation exercise. We have carefully considered all responses and have reflected them in the national framework where appropriate. The Government's full response to the comments is published on the ODPM website.
	The national framework is a forward looking document. Fire and rescue authorities will soon begin the process of comprehensive performance assessment. Fire CPA will provide a robust assessment of progress by the service since publication of the White Paper and a firm basis for further improvement.
	The 2005–06 national framework has effect under section 21(6) of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 as a revision, which appears to the Secretary of State to be significant, of the 2004–05 national framework.
	Copies of the 2005–06 national framework will be made available in the Libraries of both Houses.

Regional Spatial Strategy for the East of England

Keith Hill: On Wednesday this week the East of England Regional Assembly (EERA) will be launching its proposals for revising the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) for the East of England. I am today announcing that public consultation on EERA's draft proposals will, commence on Wednesday and run until 16 March 2005.
	This is the first RSS to come forward under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. The draft revisions set out EERA's view as to the appropriate spatial development strategy to guide planning and development in the East of England to the year 2021. The RSS sets out EERA's proposals for the development of the region's economy, housing and transport infrastructure. It also encompasses policies and proposals for the environment, town centres, waste, culture, sport and recreation, and mineral extraction.
	The RSS will provide the regional framework for the plans and strategies of a range of public, private and voluntary organisations, including the preparation of local authority development plans and local transport plans.
	These proposals have been prepared by EERA as the regional planning body in consultation with a wide range of regional and local stakeholders.
	In order to allow for the Christmas holiday period, public consultation has been extended from the minimum 12 weeks required by statute to 14 weeks, ending on 16 March 2005. It is open to anybody to make representations on the content of EERA's draft RSS. Public consultation is a key part of our planning reforms and I would urge stakeholders to take the opportunity offered to make their views known. Full details about the consultation document and how to respond are available on EERA's website and at local council offices.
	The consultation will lead on to an examination in public (EiP) to debate and test EERA's draft proposals. The EiP is due to start in September 2005. A panel independent of EERA and central government will oversee the EiP process. The panel will, on the basis of the representations received, decide which matters should be discussed and who should be invited to attend.
	Following the EiP, the panel will prepare a report of findings and recommendations to the Government on how the draft RSS might be improved. This will be a public report, due in early 2006. The Government will then issue proposed changes to the draft RSS, taking account of the panel's recommendations and representations on any matters not considered at the EiP. The proposed changes are likely to be published for public consultation during summer 2006.
	The Secretary of State will then make any final amendments in the light of the responses to the proposed changes consultation, and issue the final RSS for the East of England late in 2006.
	Copies of the relevant documents will be available in the Libraries of both Houses and have been provided for all of the region's MPs, MEPs and local authorities.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Sustainable Waste Management

Elliot Morley: My right hon. Friend, the Minister for Housing and Planning (Keith Hill), and I are today publishing four consultation papers on waste strategies and planning which aim to provide a more integrated and effective framework in England for delivering the significant expansion in new waste management facilities needed to meet EU obligations and national policy.
	The Government's vision for waste, embodying the principles of sustainable development, is to protect the environment and human health by producing less waste and using it as a resource wherever possible. In particular, this means reducing reliance on landfill. The way we handle waste has to change dramatically. This means a major change in our attitude to waste: manufacturers, consumers, waste managers and central and local government alike. And it means a step change in waste management, including significant new investment in waste plant.
	The Government do not underestimate the size of the task. Some waste streams, such as household waste, continue to grow, driven by consumer demand and economic growth. Other waste streams, and treatment routes, are subject to increasingly rigorous controls and standards to reduce their harmfulness. And manufacturers are increasingly required to take responsibility for the treatment or disposal of products at the end of their life.
	Central Government have responsibility for setting the policy and legislative framework. Regional planning bodies and local government have responsibility for generating the strategies and plans which guide delivery of those policies through provision of the infrastructure and services needed on the ground. The process depends vitally on long term municipal waste management strategies and development plans which together identify the amount of waste, how it will be managed and the facilities needed, and ensure their adequate and timely provision.
	The consultation sets out proposals for a stronger, simpler and more integrated framework for delivering those outcomes. The suite of papers are:
	(i) the draft new planning policy statement (PPS) 10: "Planning for Sustainable Waste Management";
	(ii) draft guidance on the preparation of municipal waste management strategies;
	(iii) proposed changes to waste strategy 2000, underpinning (i) and (ii) above; and
	(iv) proposals for the periodic provision of national data and advice on waste arisings, recycling potential and any national capacity needs.
	The Government expects all local authorities either to produce or contribute to the development or revision of a municipal waste management strategy. In some areas this is a statutory requirement. The new guidance on municipal waste management strategies replaces the guidance published by the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions in 2001. It aims to provide greater clarity on the Government's waste management objectives and decision making principles, the role of the strategies and the key requirements for developing and reviewing them. It also emphasises the need for achieving best value through both partnership working with other local authorities and the private and community sectors.
	The planning system is pivotal to the adequate and timely provision of the new facilities needed for all types of waste. In revising existing planning guidance, the aim is to provide clarity on what is required regionally and locally to ensure that decisions are made at the most appropriate level and at the right time. The Government expect development plans to be up-to-date and fit for purpose. And waste planning authorities should plan for, and consent, the necessary number and range of facilities to support sustainable waste management.
	Both documents will:
	underline the need for effective integration of waste strategies and planning processes andpolicies regionally and locally, with full appraisal of options in their development;
	provide the framework for setting a long term vision for 15–20 years ahead and a short termdetailed plan of action;
	provide for regular (annual) monitoring and review, if required;
	emphasise the need for early and continuous community engagement.
	The review of the effectiveness of the existing guidance, which informed the preparation of the consultation papers, included the underpinning decision-making principles set out in waste strategy 2000 1 in response to concerns expressed by a number of stakeholders. The proposed changes to waste strategy 2000 are set out in full in the third consultation paper and are incorporated in the draft planning policy statement PPS10 and draft guidance on municipal waste management strategies.
	The key objective of waste policy of moving waste management up the waste hierarchy 2 has not changed.
	1 Primarily in Chapter 3 and Part 2
	2 Chapter 3 part 2
	Municipal waste management strategies and spatial plans must also ensure the delivery of the objectives of proximity of waste disposal laid down in the EU waste framework directive and of self sufficiency. These objectives are now incorporated in the objectives which must be delivered through municipal waste management strategies and development plans. Decisions on planning applications must be in line with the objectives and planning strategy in the relevant development plan. Hitherto proximity and self sufficiency had been set down as stand alone principles in waste strategy 2000. They have also been re-formulated to reflect the obligations on local authorities: to provide a framework in which communities take more responsibility for their own waste (self-sufficiency), and that waste should be disposed of as near as possible to the place of production (proximity).
	The role of the best practicable environmental option process in decision-making was also reviewed. The process encapsulates important principles including consultation, option appraisal, assessing long and short term environmental impacts and cost effectiveness. These remain valid and are reflected in EU and UK legislation and its implementation.
	In spatial planning, regional spatial strategies and local development documents are now required to have a strategic environmental assessment, while a broader sustainability appraisal—covering additionally social and economic issues—is required by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. These assessments, combined with the duty to have regard to national Government objectives and guidance in preparing and implementing waste plans, will deliver the principles that underpin the best practical environmental option process. The new planning policy statement 10 does not, therefore, include best practical environmental option.
	Similarly, the role that the best practical environmental option played in the development of municipal waste management strategies has been replaced by the requirement for a strategic environmental assessment combined with a thorough evaluation of social and economic factors.
	The draft planning policy statement 10 includes a requirement for regional spatial strategies to take account of periodic Government advice on waste arisings and recycling potential and any nationally identified need for waste management facilities. The purpose of central Government advice would be to encourage regional planning bodies to take a consistent approach to forecasting and monitoring waste arisings and the proportion of waste that can realistically be recycled. The fourth consultation paper sets out the possible scope of such advice and the options for drawing it up and disseminating it.
	The material in these consultation papers is intended to support delivery of the Government's vision for sustainable waste management by providing a clearer, consistent, and integrated policy framework for local authority municipal waste management strategies and spatial planning.
	Not collecting or managing waste is not an option. Everyone has a role to play: manufacturers, waste managers, local communities and the authorities which serve them. These papers aim to help all those involved take their share of responsibility for reducing and managing waste.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Export Licence Application (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Denis MacShane: In September 2004 the Government issued a licence for the export of ballistic body armour vests to the Ministry of Security in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Ministry of Security requires the vests for the State Information and Protection Agency (SIPA). SIPA is responsible for, inter alia, diplomatic protection, which includes the British embassy in Sarajevo as well as the mission of EU partners and other allies; tackling organised crime; and investigating war crimes.
	An EU arms embargo has been in place against Bosnia and Herzegovina since 1996. The purpose of the embargo was to aid the establishment of peace and stability for the people of the region, taking into account in particular the need to ensure the safety of international troops and civilian personnel deployed. The embargo was amended in 1999 to exclude de-mining equipment and the transfer of small arms to the police.
	We fully support the EU embargo. However, we are, in limited circumstances, prepared to make exemptions where denying an export would frustrate the purposes of the embargo. The UK has been active in encouraging Bosnia and Herzegovina to take greater responsibility for maintaining the rule of law and strengthening civilian policing. I am confident that granting this exception is fully consistent with this responsible approach of supporting the development of civilian policing while respecting the aims of the embargo.